Gift for casino host?
She's a 50 y/o white female.
Quote: BTLWIWhat kind of gifts have you guys given to your casino host before? Anything $50 and under doesn't have to be "approved" by her boss so that's about the range I'm looking for. I've been a "VIP" for about 1.5 years but didn't get her anything last year - never really thought of it.
She's a 50 y/o white female.
Regardless of what anyone claims, anything your host does is based on your play and play, in this case, is code for losses. If people want to believe otherwise or think that the host goes the extra mile for them then, I have a bridge for sale. If anyone has to think they're special to justify their losses who am I to burst their bubble? As one of our frequent posters likes to say "never wise up a chump". I'm certainly not calling anyone a chump for having a host or for tipping one, only for thinking they're special.
Your host should be the one giving you the gift. Think about that for a moment. Think about how a host gets paid by the casino. If I haven't talked you out of it, then let me answer your question.
Before you do anything, find out the casino's tipping policy. Do not give cash. It may be prohibited and it is awkward and tacky. The lady you describe should appreciate a gift card, chocolates, wine or a nice scarf. For some reason scarves always seem to pop up on these lists.
Is your tip a thank you, a bribe, you trying to follow protocol or a combination? I've mentioned in similar threads that a heartfelt handwritten letter to the casino praising your host will do wonders. Long after the gift card has been redeemed, the chocolates consumed, the wine drunk and the scarf has worn out or been lost, that letter will be remembered.
I feel its inappropriate but fortunately I'm too cheap to ever even have a host much less buy a host anything.Quote: 1BBI've mentioned in similar threads that a heartfelt handwritten letter to the casino praising your host will do wonders. Long after the gift card has been redeemed, the chocolates consumed, the wine drunk and the scarf has worn out or been lost, that letter will be remembered.
Edit: Didn't actually answer your question, got taken off task. I've seen "gift card, not cash" elsewhere on this site, not sure if it was 1BB.
I absolutely disagree with this. You can tip/bribe your way to better rooms/comps/free play.Quote: 1BBRegardless of what anyone claims, anything your host does is based on your play and play, in this case, is code for losses. If people want to believe otherwise or think that the host goes the extra mile for them then, I have a bridge for sale.
It's true hosts have some general guide lines, but oftentimes they are very flexible and will over comp. Tipping them gives them incentive to be more flexible with you.
Well tipped Hosts can even help you out in tricky situations and give you great information.
Some have even helped known AP's in gaming the system even after knowing the AP's are winning players.
If you are a regular losing ploppy a gift probably isn't needed.
Quote: strictlyAPive given more then one host pairs of ferragamo shoes- it always gets me back way more then the cost
You give $600 to $1000 shoes and get what? Walk me through it.
Do you call the host in advance, make a request and tell the host there's a pair of shoes in it for them? Do you show up, ask for an upgrade, get turned down, offer the shoes and then have your request granted? How else would you know if the bribe worked? Do you present the shoes upon checkout and then remind the host about them on the next visit?
The point is how do you know if the shoes worked or if you could have gotten some things just for the asking? If you're giving away thousands of dollars worth of shoes chances are you're a high roller and are already being taken care of.
Quote: MrVI gave my host at a tribal joint a bottle of booze.
Did you then take it back?
Quote: strictlyAPdm me if you want to have this convo
I'm fine but perhaps the rest of the forum could benefit. Is there a way that you can post something while leaving out sensitive information?
Quote: 1BBI'm fine but perhaps the rest of the forum could benefit. Is there a way that you can post something while leaving out sensitive information?
I'm interested in details as well.
Quote: AxelWolfI absolutely disagree with this. You can tip/bribe your way to better rooms/comps/free play.
It's true hosts have some general guide lines, but oftentimes they are very flexible and will over comp. Tipping them gives them incentive to be more flexible with you.
Well tipped Hosts can even help you out in tricky situations and give you great information.
Some have even helped known AP's in gaming the system even after knowing the AP's are winning players.
If you are a regular losing ploppy a gift probably isn't needed.
AxelWolf, I agree with you about tipping, bribing or WHATEVER... There are more than one way to skin a cat. Inactive/dormant accounts are gold mines for guys who think out side of the box.
I've seen bank managers used inactive/dormant accounts to achieve their own goals... So are casino hosts who "rob peter and pay paul" to keep their customers happy. That's how some of them keep their jobs as hosts as long as possible.
BTW, some hosts even provided hookers to keep players happy, and hooked some horny big-players to the same casino for years (until hosts're caught by FBI).
Quote: ArtemisAxelWolf, I agree with you about tipping, bribing or WHATEVER... There are more than one way to skin a cat. Inactive/dormant accounts are gold mines for guys who think out side of the box.
I've seen bank managers used inactive/dormant accounts to achieve their own goals... So are casino hosts who "rob peter and pay paul" to keep their customers happy. That's how some of them keep their jobs as hosts as long as possible.
BTW, some hosts even provided hookers to keep players happy, and hooked some horny big-players to the same casino for years (until hosts're caught by FBI).
Is it true that if you are high rolling high enough that casinos will just send girls to your room (like in owning mahowny), or is that just another Hollywood lie?
For me they only send the cleaning lady. They always keep the door open, so they're not interested. I'm sure for some it's done though because at some point, it's an acceptable risk when the money is right.Quote: AvincowIs it true that if you are high rolling high enough that casinos will just send girls to your room (like in owning mahowny), or is that just another Hollywood lie?
Quote: BozDid you then take it back?
Who you callin' an Indian giver?
*oh yeah, I gave to an Indian*
For your host, large scarves (of the right kind) would be a good choice because scarves are completely in fashion right now; it needs to be either an infinity scarf (sewn ends together for looping around the neck) or at least 6 foot long (if she's short) to 8 ft (if she's tall). A print or design that picks up the color of her eyes would be ideal. If it's less than 20-30 dollars, a 2-3" pin of an animal (probably not an elephant, cow, or pig; birds, lions, giraffes, dogs, cats) with or without crystals for 10-15 dollars would complete the gift. Macy's, Ross, TJMaxx, numerous other department stores would have both.
If she's not the type of woman to wear scarves, a good bottle of wine (at store prices, not restaurant) or a cordial could work; Sambuca, Bailey's, Cointreau. But that kind of thing's all around her so it's ok but not great as a gift.
Quote: sc15Why don't you buy the scarf at the casino's gift shop, and ask for a comp for it.
lol, that's genius.
I don't think any of this would have happened except for the thoughtfulness of the gift. The host appreciated it. Human nature works that way. The gifts I gave were only about $10 total. I like gifts in that range. Spend any more and it looks like you're trying to buy influence, and it detracts from the gift. I was comfortable with that, and I think the host was too.
That suite remindes me. Sometime I'm going to have to use one of those bidets.
Quote: 1BBDouble the gift and you won't need the bidet. Just call the host. :-)
That's funny.
Way over comped maybe or maybe not. My question is.... Does that turn your playing time into plus EV? Are you ahead over the lifetime of your play at that place? Perhaps they would comp that stuff ,tip or no tip.Quote: beachbumbabsMy main host gets a gift of some sort every time I see him. In return, I get comped WAY above my level of play. At least, if their computer offers are indicative of my level, he goes way beyond that with the level of RFB he sets up. I don't see it as a quid pro quo, though, it's more like a continuing thank you for his personalized service and making things break in my favor.
For your host, large scarves (of the right kind) would be a good choice because scarves are completely in fashion right now; it needs to be either an infinity scarf (sewn ends together for looping around the neck) or at least 6 foot long (if she's short) to 8 ft (if she's tall). A print or design that picks up the color of her eyes would be ideal. If it's less than 20-30 dollars, a 2-3" pin of an animal (probably not an elephant, cow, or pig; birds, lions, giraffes, dogs, cats) with or without crystals for 10-15 dollars would complete the gift. Macy's, Ross, TJMaxx, numerous other department stores would have both.
If she's not the type of woman to wear scarves, a good bottle of wine (at store prices, not restaurant) or a cordial could work; Sambuca, Bailey's, Cointreau. But that kind of thing's all around her so it's ok but not great as a gift.
A host is never WAY over comping you as long as the casino has the best of it.
When I tip the host, I make dam sure I'm getting the best of it. Example: I was playing $5 FPDW for about 3 hrs a day(no competition) I received a minimal amount of comps the first few times from the host.
After after my 3rd session and 2 sets of deuces, I decided to give him $50. He told me to go shopping in the gift shop and bring this( $300 credit slip).
The 4th day I Tossed him $150. After that the host was giving me about $700 per day in shopping during my trip, even if I played for just 1hr. I got Gold jewelry, watches, collectibles. He even reimbursed my outside mall shopping in cash, and had the limo take me there. On top of that it was Air fair Full RFB or anything I charged to the room, including in-room movies.
Other hosts were doing the same or better in Reno and Tahoe at the time. The tipping went up as did the shopping amounts. I should have skipped the junk and stuck to gold.
Some hosts would give you 20% of losses per day, but not on table games, at least not for me.
I know guys that are really pushy with hosts and get plenty. I know some people who are timid. Hosts can usually sense how much you know about comps. If they feel they can min comp you they will. If they think you're being greedy and taking advantage they will tighten up not bend.
I still always feel a bit strange asking for more than I know I deserve from hosts especially ones I haven't dealt with much. I`feel like i'm talking to my principal or something. I really dislike the awkwardness of them saying, sorry I can not do that for you right now. It's like getting turned down for a date.
My suggestion. The first time ask for less than you deserve, then Tip your host like $10-$25 at that time, depending on your play and what you ask for and what you want. He/she will usually give you a hint what they are willing to do for you.
Very Good sign, Host: "If there's ANYTHING I can do for you just let me know"
Bad sign, Host " come see me after you are done playing, ill assess your play and see if you're eligible for anything"
The scarf is a perfect idea, I've seen her wear them before.
Quote: JW17I appreciate any feedback.
Don't ever play without your card in. You'll tend to play more coin-in, as expected, when you are winning or staying pretty close to even, so if that happens to come at a time your card is not in you could be crushing your theoretical in terms of comps.
However, if you lose a lot, you should always seek out a host and ask for something at any local casino. I would say the minimum would be $1000 and I would expect to get 10% of my loss back in a food voucher or something. Local casinos have very low thresholds on the minimum you need to lose to get stuff - if I lost $400 at one of the local ones I could ask and receive $40 in food. If you lose $9000 at the Beau Rivage you will be told to pound sand. However, for the big players, a destination casino is much better. If I lose 20k, I can't eat $2000 at the steakhouse or carry $2000 worth of playing cards and cheap jewelery from the gift shop at the local casino, and that's about as much as they will offer. At a destination casino, they may give you $2000 towards your airfare, or retail, or fine dining where you can easily spend that much on a group dinner. At least for comps, losing a lot is far superior to having a lot of play in most places (at some places 10k loss or 10k theo is the same).
cliffs: if your gambling budget is 2k, go to a small casino because the large one may not comp you at all. if your gambling budget is 20k, go to a large one because the small one probably can't give you the kind of stuff you want.
Yikes.Quote: JW17Not to derail this conversation, but I feel I play the same or better level of play as discussed above, and have never thought about getting a host. I have heard it on here before "if your play deserves a host you will get a host", BUT the wife and I play $5 slots for hours at times, sometimes with a card, sometimes without, I have never had anyone say anything about my play. The table games I play low limit, could this be the reason I am not approached? Or should I ask someone for a host?? I appreciate any feedback.
Always use you card on slots even if your only max betting pennies.
Can I ask how often you do this and where? What kind of swings do you have in a day?
You guys should be getting treated like royalty (depending where you play) Even the nicest casinos should be comping you extra.
Depending on the location you should have someone who had a good host refer you to their host.
I also suggest you play at a few different locations. 3rs a day on $5 slots is plenty good enough. Not sure how many lines and coins you're playing but the casino is making at least $350 an hr from you guys.
I wouldn't use a players card on the table games if you are red chipping. If you are green chipping I certainly would.
Quote: AxelWolfYikes.
Always use you card on slots even if your only max betting pennies.
Can I ask how often you do this and where? What kind of swings do you have in a day?
You guys should be getting treated like royalty (depending where you play) Even the nicest casinos should be comping you extra.
Depending on the location you should have someone who had a good host refer you to their host.
I also suggest you play at a few different locations. 3rs a day on $5 slots is plenty good enough. Not sure how many lines and coins you're playing but the casino is making at least $350 an hr from you guys.
I wouldn't use a players card on the table games if you are red chipping. If you are green chipping I certainly would.
Thank you all for the replies
It is in Vegas on and off of the strip, I used to go to LV every 6 weeks, but now I only go about 4 times per year.
I used to frequent the Tuscany quite a bit and we comped nicely by the pit, Im not sure that place has hosts. I don't go so much anymore since it is such a sweat shop now.
The last few trips I have been in many of the CET properties. Last trip I can tell you I spend several hours in the Bally high limit slot room. Played a bit in the Paris also. As for table game play, yes I am a red chipper, and as I previously said that is what may hurt me, I spend plenty of money throughout my stay (usually 3 days) but prefer to play the low limit tables as I am there for the entertainment value. Im not much of a slot player, but the wife loves them, and Ill play after I have had a few too many bud lights.
also I do not intentionally play the slots without my card, I just at times forget, usually because of the Bud Lights, but also because I will jmp around the machines.
Quote: JW17Thank you all for the replies
It is in Vegas on and off of the strip, I used to go to LV every 6 weeks, but now I only go about 4 times per year.
I used to frequent the Tuscany quite a bit and we comped nicely by the pit, Im not sure that place has hosts. I don't go so much anymore since it is such a sweat shop now.
The last few trips I have been in many of the CET properties. Last trip I can tell you I spend several hours in the Bally high limit slot room. Played a bit in the Paris also. As for table game play, yes I am a red chipper, and as I previously said that is what may hurt me, I spend plenty of money throughout my stay (usually 3 days) but prefer to play the low limit tables as I am there for the entertainment value. Im not much of a slot player, but the wife loves them, and Ill play after I have had a few too many bud lights.
also I do not intentionally play the slots without my card, I just at times forget, usually because of the Bud Lights, but also because I will jmp around the machines.
2hs of $5 slots is plenty, talk to the host or go to a better place. SLS is comping Very well VIA HOST for way less play and thats on VP. $5 Slots will get you plenty.
Cleo is excellent and the suits are nice.
At SLS... I just stayed full RFB and I got FP, I had no where near equivalent to 2hs of $5 slot play.
Quote: strictlyAPI think he may be talking 5 dollars a pull but I could be wrong- five a pull could be 1000 coin in an hour 3 hours max 300 theo maybe won't get that much but I don't know I haven't read every reply tbought I saw he played red chips at tables which will ruin any slot stuff most of the time
youre right I red chip the tables, but on the machines Ill max bet, I like the 2 or 3 coin machines at the $5 level. I am guessing that is what makes me invisible. also I am not vocal, meaning I don't complain, I am there for fun. Yes I chat up the guys, and I am polite, but like I have said previously, I am there for the entertainment value.
It all depends on where you play. Try a new new location and don't use name or card while playing BJ. Only slots I suggest using your wifes card and not adding your name to it on slots.
You can also use this at the tables to deflect some heat. Getting some unwanted attention? Order a bottle of dom and watch the heat disappear.
Quote: MrVI gave my host at a tribal joint a bottle of booze.
Ah, firewater! No wonder he ran naked through the casino a half hour later. :-)
Quote: 1BBAh, firewater! No wonder he ran naked through the casino a half hour later. :-)
That was from the roofies I slipped her.
It's her own fault; she really should have given me that comp I asked for.
